A recent discovery in Spain has made waves in the field of archaeology. A team of researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) has uncovered the oldest known bowstrings in Europe, dating back an impressive 7,000 years. These bowstrings, made from the tendons of goats, boars, and roe deer, were discovered in the Cueva de Los Murciélagos in Albuñol, near Granada.
The Remarkable Discovery
The bowstrings were part of a larger collection of Neolithic artifacts, which also included arrows preserved with their original feathers and fibrous remains. The discovery has provided a glimpse into the advanced techniques and materials used by ancient craftspeople. The artifacts, remarkably well-preserved, have allowed researchers to conduct detailed analyses to uncover the craftsmanship of the time.
According to Ingrid Bertin, one of the lead researchers from UAB, the identification of these bowstrings is a crucial step in understanding Neolithic weaponry. “Not only have we been able to confirm the use of animal tendons to make them, but we have also been able to identify the genus or species of animal from which they come,” Bertin explained.
Materials and Methods
The bowstrings were crafted by twisting together tendons from goats, boars, and roe deer. The tendons were dried before being meticulously twisted into long, durable strings. This discovery reveals an extraordinary level of precision and technical mastery in Neolithic crafting, indicating that the use of archery during this period was much more sophisticated than previously thought.
The team’s analysis, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the exceptional preservation of the organic remains found in the cave. This has provided a unique opportunity for a multidisciplinary study, combining archaeology, materials science, and biology to better understand ancient technologies and the people who created them.
Significance of the Find
This discovery marks a milestone in the study of ancient weaponry, shedding light on the tools and techniques used by people 7,000 years ago. The findings provide a rare and invaluable insight into the daily lives of Neolithic societies, revealing not just how they hunted, but how they mastered the crafting of essential tools like bows and arrows.
The Cueva de Los Murciélagos site, with its pristine preservation conditions, continues to be a treasure trove for researchers studying prehistoric life. Future excavations may uncover even more clues about the technology, art, and culture of early human societies.
